Gerhard and Walther

A huge portion of true godliness consists of Christian love. For as bread is prepared from many kernels [of grain], and a drink from many grapes, so also in the holy Supper we are all fed and given to drink to become one body, so that as members of one body we busy ourselves with peace and unity; and, that we should live toward each other in heartfelt love.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis I:101.

The Son of God could have entered the world as an adult, but He did not want to do this. Instead, He wanted to be a child, and by His holy childhood, He wanted to redeem us from the sins of our childhood and to provide all boys and girls with a model of godly childhood they should follow.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 117.